Honda Repair: Trunk Leak, dry sponges, collision repair shop

Question
Hi,

I bought a 4 door, '92 Honda Accord LX. There has been water
leaking into the trunk. I have had the tailight gaskets replaced,
which was what was thought to be the cause. I am still having
water leak into the trunk. This is causing mildew and limited use
of the trunk.

There was old water damage to the ledge behind the rear bench
and the top back edge of the bench itself. That, the collision
repair shop told me, had been repaired  with a rear window/seal
replacement and is not thought to contribute to the current
trunk leak. My Honda has near 200,000 miles on it and runs very
well. I am in California.

Do you know what could be causing the leak and how it needs to
be repaired? I am currently putting dry sponges where the water
collects and wiping dry i an attempt to control mildew. Also, do
you know what is a safe. prefferably non-chemical way to kill the
mildew?

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Karen, I've seen quite a few water leaks in 90 to 93 Accords and it has normally been the taillight seals. What I did was actually silicone where the seal mates to the taillight to create a perfect seal but seeing as you replaced the seal that should be fine. The best thing to do is to fold down the rear seat and have someone in the trunk with a flashlight while you spray water with a garden hose all around the trunk area and even underneath, wheelwells etc... and you should be able to see the leak from inside the trunk. Is the power antenna sealing properly? Is the trunk seal leaking? Maybe the vehicle was in a collision and a panel had to be relaced and the repair shop didn't seal a panel properly? Also, look for water marks which appear after water has evaporated in the trunk and try to trace the line/mark the water made. Sorry I can't be of more help. Please let me know how you make out, good luck. As far as the mildew I don't know of a non chemical way, maybe vinegar and water? Let me know if you have any more questions. RICK